Flags flew at half-mast over the Millennium Stadium and hundreds of fans held a minute's silence after a top co-driver was killed in a high-speed crash during the Wales Rally GB.

Michael Park, 39, from Newent, in Gloucestershire, was partnering Estonian Markko Martin when their Peugeot 307 smashed into a tree near Port Talbot yesterday.

The father of two was pronounced dead at the scene at around 10.40am while Martin escaped uninjured in the accident, which happened shortly after the pair had started the 17-mile Margam stage of the rally.

Organisers announced the cancellation of the remaining two stages shortly after his death was confirmed.

South Wales Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and sealed off the crash site. No spectators were involved in the crash.

Experienced co-driver Mr Park had been involved in a serious crash with Martin last year, which saw the pair's car written off.

The duo had won five world rallies since forming their partnership in 2000.

After news of Mr Park's death emerged, Peugeot withdrew their driver Marcus Gronholm from the rally 'as a sign of mourning'.

The rally later finished at a sombre Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Rally legend Colin McRae, who raced with Mr Park, led the tributes to his friend, hailing him as one of rallying's 'real characters' and a 'really genuine person.'